Since the earliest period of domestication, cats, dogs and even hyenas have served as pets, providing companionship and bringing joy to their human owners. They have also served more practical, economic ends: catching other animals for food or helping in the hunt. In more aristocratic times, the sport of falconry made use of natural talents of birds to aid in hunting game.
PET is a clear, semi-crystalline thermoplastic resin that can be injection molded, sheet extruded and/or used as filament for 3D printing. It is very strong and resistant to moisture, alcohols and solvents. It can be formulated to have various properties through the addition of co-monomers, such as cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) or isophthalic acid. These modifiers essentially kink the PET chain, interfering with crystallization and lowering its melting temperature.
The chemistry of PET was developed in North America in the mid 1940s by DuPont chemists looking for new synthetic fibers, which eventually became known as Dacron. It is also the basis for many other synthetic fabrics and plastics, including those used to make garments, carpet, industrial strapping and rope, auto parts, winter jackets and sleeping bags.
When researching pet insurance, look for a company with multiple plan types and options to customize coverage. Compare deductibles, annual coverage limits and reimbursement rates to find a plan that best fits your budget. Most providers also offer a variety of wellness add-ons to help cover routine veterinary costs, like vaccinations and dental cleanings.